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Vishal
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#1 · Posted: 28 Oct 2008 00:48 · Edited by: Vishal
Food plays a direct role in how we feel. In fact no other thing has so much pronounced affect on how we feel than food. Here are 5 foods that can we must avoid/limit to reduce stress and feel better:
Alcohol
Alcohol makes you unconscious, giving you a temporary high and making you forget about the stressful situation. What it actually does is make you more irritable and stressful, which is experienced after the initial high is gone.
Caffeine
Caffeine just like alcohol gives you a temporary high by releasing adrenaline hormones, which is what our body does when stressed. So by consuming caffeine you are actually stressing the body even more, until it's completely exhausted from inside. Sources rich in caffeine are chocolates, coffee, tea and colas.
White Sugar
White sugar is nothing but calories. It gives instant energy putting lot of load on the adrenal glands. Our body has to use it's resources (vitamins and minerals) to process it.
Substitute: Raw sugar, Jaggery.
White Salt
White salt increases blood pressure and exhausts the adrenal glands.
Substitute: Rock salt.
Saturated Fats
While some amount of healthy fat (Clarified butter, Coconut oil, Flaxseed Oil, Olive Oil) is essential for the body, too much fat, put lot of stress on the digestive system. Moreover, saturated fats increases cholesterol, thereby increasing risk of stroke.
[Post edited - 27/Aug/11]
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mithun99
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#2 · Posted: 29 Oct 2008 02:26
This is a very good piece of information, keep going. 
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JakeF
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#3 · Posted: 31 Oct 2008 20:50
Some very good advice there. I would also suggest avoiding food dyes, smoking, and alcohol. All of these can contribute to body stress as well as the above foods.
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Newbie Shield
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#4 · Posted: 1 Nov 2008 06:40
Hi Vishal,
You really drove your points home when you specified what each item actually does to the body systems. That was very effective.
Unfortunately for me, I can testify to each statement since this has been my first hand experience when eating and drinking consumables containing everything on your list.
Our society has become tragically hedonistic at the expense of our health and common sense. Though we know better than to indulge in these things, we have somehow convinced ourselves that it doesn't really matter.
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b2b
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#5 · Posted: 18 Nov 2008 19:02
Hi Vishal,
Very interesting, I did not know that some food could actually cause more stress. I also heard that foods rich in fat are very immune-depressing.
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Vishal
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#6 · Posted: 18 Nov 2008 23:59
Quoting: b2b I did not know that some food could actually cause more stress.
You can eliminate stress to a great extent by changing your diet alone! You are what you eat. Eat chillies and you become irritable angry. Eat heavy food and you'll feel lethargic and dull. Eat veggies and you'll be more calm and relaxed.
If you are more interested in this subject, you may want to read:
The Sattvic or Yogic Diet
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mithun99
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#7 · Posted: 4 Nov 2009 23:18
Five more Foods that can lead to stress indirectly.
1) Meat - Stress in the animals can come to us.
2) Fish - Pollution in water ( heavy metals ) can be very dangerous
3) Fried Foods - Foods fried in oil can be cancerous
4) Refined products - Can be constipating
5) anything that is unnatural should be avoided.
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writerros
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#8 · Posted: 7 Dec 2009 11:26
We can't always completely avoid these things - and I think allowing ourselves a little treat is also good for us. I believe in 'everything in moderation'.
I eat a very healthy diet - but I allow myself 1 coffee a day, and 1 glass of red wine every day (which is good for the heart). I don't think we need to eliminate things totally - but just keep them limited. I think you enjoy them more too.
Ros
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Stressless06
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#9 · Posted: 15 Apr 2010 00:21
These 5 foods will tremendously help when it comes to helping your body cope with the negative effects of stress:
1. Avocados: When you're under stress, your body tends to use B vitamins at a faster-than-normal rate. In order to replenish that supply, eat ¼ of an avocado when you're stressed — on a sandwich, in a salad, or all by itself — to boost B vitamin levels. In addition to B, avocados are also rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium and a fatty acid known as oleic acid — this fat has been shown to have a mild influence in lowering cholesterol.
2. Tea: Although caffeine has been shown to lead to a more positive mood and improved performance, there's a fine line between just enough and too much. Too much caffeine can make you dependent and make you nervous, irritable, and hypersensitive or bring on headaches. Because brewed tea is lower in caffeine per cup than coffee, you can drink more tea than coffee before experiencing these effects. Tea also provides a little L-theanine, a calming amino acid.
3. Berries: Under stress we naturally crave sweet things but the problem is that nine out of ten times, the sweets we're craving are calorie-laden. Berries are naturally sweet and they have vitamin C which tends to be helpful in combating stress. Furthermore, berries have some fibre — which will decrease cravings by building up bulk in your GI track.
4. Dark chocolate (you'll want to choose at least 70% to enjoy the full benefits of dark chocolate): Chocolate has a lot going for it in addition to its divine taste. It is plump full of flavonoids — a powerful class of antioxidants — which have been shown to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes. Other compounds found in chocolate seem to lower the "bad" component of cholesterol (LDL) while leaving the "good" (HDL) component unchanged. Dark chocolate also contains several psychoactive chemicals that promote alertness and even euphoria. The latest scientific literature even shows it has some blood-pressure lowering properties.
5. Magnesium-rich foods: Magnesium is an essential mineral for human nutrition. Magnesium in the body serves several important metabolic functions. It plays a role in the production and transport of energy. It is also important for the contraction and relaxation of muscles and has been shown to reduce blood pressure. Green vegetables such as spinach are good sources of magnesium, as are black beans, peas, nuts (peanuts), seeds (pumpkin and squash), tofu, broccoli and whole, unrefined grains.
well... that's it for me now.
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powerofcalm
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#10 · Posted: 1 May 2011 06:36
I think most people don't pay much attention to what they eat. They get hungry and just find the first thing in front of them.
These lists are great. But, maybe first step is to actually become conscious of what you put into your system.
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EricJee
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#11 · Posted: 1 May 2011 17:43
Wow i never know that food can cause stress! This post really enriches my knowledge on stress! I agree that alcohol can ease stress temporary. However, after the initial high is gone, the sorrowness will come back.
This post mainly talk about adrenal gland. How about kidney? As the intake of salt and sugar excessively is a great burden to kidney, will that contributes to stress?
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Vishal
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#12 · Posted: 3 May 2011 06:55
EricJee: As the intake of salt and sugar excessively is a great burden to kidney, will that contributes to stress?
When the mind is stressed, everything in the body is stressed.
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powerofcalm
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#13 · Posted: 3 May 2011 16:59
Do you think it works the opposite way too? If the body is stressed, the mind is stressed?
Or do you think all stress flows from the mind?
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EricJee
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#14 · Posted: 4 May 2011 00:17
Vishal: When the mind is stressed, everything in the body is stressed.
I see, thanks for the information vishal
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Vishal
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#15 · Posted: 4 May 2011 04:45 · Edited by: Vishal
powerofcalm: Do you think it works the opposite way too? If the body is stressed, the mind is stressed? Or do you think all stress flows from the mind?
Definitely it works the opposite way too! However, the effect of stressing the body (like in sports) has in fact positive effect on the mind. And unlike the mind, the body doesn't stay stressed for long (if only the body is stressed). Funnily enough, the mantra for health is "Work the body, relax the mind".
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powerofcalm
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#16 · Posted: 4 May 2011 06:49
Vishal,
Interesting. One of the best stress relievers is to do something physical. At least it works for me.
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choiceimprint
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#17 · Posted: 6 Jun 2011 16:20
I have noticed that when I avoid processed foods that seems to help. This help anyone else?
I also make sure I have the right ratio of macro nutirents. I really feel that this has lowered my stress levels. The ratio that works best for me is: 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fats. Anyone else see results from this?
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Vishal
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#18 · Posted: 7 Jun 2011 01:35
choiceimprint: I have noticed that when I avoid processed foods that seems to help. This help anyone else?
Definitely! Processed foods are void of nutrients/fiber and hence are processed immediately by our body than whole foods. As a result our body/minds experience spikes in energy levels giving us highs and lows giving rise to cravings and mood swings rather than sustained balanced energy that whole foods provide.
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Zara Mari
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#19 · Posted: 13 Jun 2011 05:37
Regarding the original post, I take sugar whenever I feel dizzy due to non-consumption of anything after long period of working. I always forget to eat on a timely manner so I think sugar helps me during this time. For alcohol, I read from many articles that alcohol is not totally bad for your health if you take it occasionally. Lastly for coffee, I thought it has anti-oxidants that's good for the body. So which is really the truth?
Thanks.
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Jennifer
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#20 · Posted: 15 Jun 2011 19:06
Zari, carry good food with you always to avoid resorting to sugar and processed crap. Nuts, fruit, healthful crackers and other portable foods will support stable blood sugar levels and energize your body and mind. You will not miss the crap after a while. Promise.
As for alcohol and coffee, you have to look closely to see who funded the studies touting the healthful benefits of each. Alcohol is pure sugar to the body to be enjoyed on occasion. The anti-oxidant content doesn't outweigh the other toxic effects of alcohol, IMO. As for coffee, I'm sure coffee is full of antioxidants but the average cup of coffee is so pesticide laden and processed, is it really healthy?
Our bodies thrive on natural, wholesome food. It's hard but it's best if we consume most foods as close to its true forms as possible.
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